Echo In the Canyon 2019

In the summer of 1965, a transformative period in music was marked by the debut single from The Byrds, which quickly ascended to become the most popular song in America. With their characteristic mushroom haircuts, intricate 3-part harmonies, and distinctive jangly electric 12-string sound, The Byrds were initially hailed as America’s answer to The Beatles. However, they transcended such comparisons by carving out a new genre—folk rock—that captivated a generation of recording artists and drew them to Los Angeles.

Echo In The Canyon serves as a nostalgic exploration of the musical legacy left by iconic artists such as The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and The Beach Boys during Southern California’s golden age of innocence, spanning from 1965 to 1967. This documentary delves into the origins of Los Angeles’ Laurel Canyon music scene and reveals how the reverberations of these artists’ creations not only influenced each other but also impacted the very fabric of music across the Atlantic, changing the trajectory for bands like The Beatles.

Jakob Dylan takes us on an enriching journey through this corridor of musical history, enlisting a new wave of artists—such as Beck, Fiona Apple, and others—who channel the spirit of that pivotal era by interpreting and performing the songs that echo through time. In this homage, they perform not only before the original songwriters but also in celebration of the artistry that came before them.

Throughout this exploration, Dylan also connects with the original creators, probing into the why and how behind the songs, while painting a vivid picture of life in Laurel Canyon, a life that once thrived on the brink of psychedelia and heralded the singer/songwriter movement. As he uncovers previously unheard personal anecdotes surrounding the creations that defined this era, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the stories behind the music.

The documentary features insights from an array of musical legends including Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, and others—each contributing to the rich tapestry of a revolutionary time in music history.